LOVE was in the air at Viewpoint’s Twelfth Annual Convocation where the President and Head of School Mark McKee officially opened the 65th academic year, surrounded by the entire student body, faculty, and staff.

Among the most memorable moments was the senior class forming a tunnel for Kindergarten students to walk through as they entered the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC). This beloved tradition reflects the unity of Viewpoint’s student body and underscores the role of older students as mentors and leaders for the youngest members of the community.

McKee welcomed the seniors in the Class of 2027, the Kindergarten Class of 2039, and 172 new students. He reflected on the meaning of love, drawing inspiration from Viewpoint’s founders.

“This year we are lifting up our core value of Love and reflecting on what it means and on how we can put into practice to make our community and our world a better place,” said McKee. “Viewpoint’s founding Latin motto, Fide et Amore, means ‘by faith and love,’ and the founders of this school understood that the best learning happens in a connected community, united by love and by faith, giving us optimism and belief in the future.”

McKee also delivered a heartwarming tribute to Head of Primary School Cathy Adelman who joined Viewpoint fifty years ago as an assistant Kindergarten teacher.

“It is so rare to work with a leader who has devoted an entire career to educating children in one school,” said McKee. “Generations of students, teachers, and parents have benefited from her wisdom, her knowledge, and her gentle and firm commitment to all of us being kind and caring.”

Next, Student Council Executive Board President Samson Harrington ’27 set the tone with remarks on this year’s theme of Love, before Associate Head of School Anneke Emerson invited student representatives from every division to share their own perspectives. Second Grade students Ava Taylor and Jude Klemack; Fifth Grade students Golden Lewis and Braden Sevell; Eighth Grade students Ruby Wagner and Prince Pierce; and seniors Jamey Tsugawa and Parker Forte reflected on the many ways Love is lived and experienced across campus.

Five Viewpoint employees were honored with annual endowed awards recognizing their dedication to the school community. This year’s Spirit of Viewpoint Award was presented to Jennifer Townes, who has given 23 years of service to the school, and is considered a guiding light and invaluable source of institutional knowledge. Her colleagues describe Jennifer as a ray of sunshine, loyal, and steadfast in her work directing the Viewpoint Fund.

Two Excellence in Teaching Awards also were presented. The first went to Primary School Music Teacher, Hannah Lande, recognized for bringing joy and fun to her music classes, and building every young child’s confidence on stage through her thoughtful, innovative teaching and performance choices. The second award honored beloved Lower School Math Teacher, Daynin Blake who is known for bringing heart, dedication, and intention to his work every day.deeply student-focused teacher who has a wonderful ability to make Fifth Grade students genuinely love math.

The Handley Chair of American Studies was awarded to teacher Tom Moore for promoting intellectual inquiry and love of learning in the history, literature, and culture of the United States. It honors Joseph and Elizabeth Handley, who wanted students to share their love of our nation’s values and traditions. From his departmental work with both literature and creative writing, to his intensive work to make all students feel safer and more at home on campus, Tom’s efforts embody the deeply held values of Viewpoint.

Dr. Kristin Herkstroeter was presented with the William Turner Levy Chair for Inspired Teaching award, for consistently creating classroom experiences that inspire intellectual curiosity and love of learning. The award honors Dr. Levy, Viewpoint teacher and Provost from 1978 to 2008. Applauded for her unwavering commitment to teaching and promoting music at Viewpoint, Kristin has built an impressive program that brings in gold medals in music competitions year after year. Her students, across every division, grow and develop from novice to accomplished musicians playing in chamber groups and full orchestras.

The Convocation showcased the talents of the Upper School Concert Choir, under the direction of Middle and Upper School Choral Teacher Carrie Dietsch, with Collaborative Pianist Kyle deTarnowsky. The choir opened with the National Anthem, followed by an uplifting performance of “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” arranged by Jack Funk. They closed the program with a heartfelt rendition of the school’s alma mater, leaving the audience with a strong sense of unity and inspiration.

As the school year begins, the spirit of love will continue to guide students, teachers, and staff, driving them to achieve new heights and make a positive impact on their community and the world.